More than 200 people turned out for the funeral of popular photographer Brian Ollier.

The service, which was led by the Rev Graham Turner at St Michael’s Church, was a poignant mixture of mourning and celebration for a man who touched many lives in the town.

Brian was born and bred in the town and turned his boyhood passion for photography into a successful career lasting half a century.

He retired last year and planned to travel the world with his devoted wife Margaret.

The father-of-three was bravely battling stomach cancer when he died suddenly on August 22 during complications in surgery. He was 69 years old.

During his prayers, Rev Turner said Brian had ‘been taken from us before his time’.

In moving tribute, family friend Sheila Kirk recalled stories from Brian’s life including his passion for photography and cars. She described his love of photography which led him to his first job at the Macclesfield Express where he befriended former photographer Gerry Henshall and Charlie Beresford.

Her tribute described how over the years Brian’s studio became a social hub for friends and associates, as well as the police who were interested in his CCTV camera footage over Mill Street.

She described Brian’s son James’s wedding in June as the ‘happiest day of his life’.

Sheila said: “Thousands have pictures taken by Brian in their homes. These images will be his legacy.”

Her tribute was followed by Hazel Ball, one of Brian’s photography apprentices. She described a man who cared about everyone from family to complete strangers in the street.

During the service Rev Turner read the opening chapter of the book of Genesis.

He said: “In 30 years I have never used his reading but chose it because Brian’s life was about creativity.

“Creativity is in our bones, but only a few of us are able to draw from its rich veins. Brian was one of those.”

Among the mourners were former Joy Division member Peter Hook and councillor Roger West.

After the funeral Brian was buried at Macclesfield Cemetery during a service for close friends and family – including children Joe, James and Sarah. This was followed by a reception at Macclesfield Town Football Club.